I’ve broken into my queue for this message. This Sunday (25 March 2012) is a special day. Good Deeds Day. You have probably never heard of it- yet. It began in Israel in 2007. As the brainchild of Shari Arison. Who, you say? The scion of Ted Arison and Mina Sapir; the two founders of the Carnival Cruise Line. A British-American cruise line now, but not when it was founded in 1972. It has now become the world’s largest cruise line with 21+% of all cruise passengers travelling on one of their lines. (Carnival not only includes Carnival, but Holland America, Seabourn, Princess, Costa, Aida, and Ibero- plus an airline.)
Good Deeds Day is really older than 5 year, though. It stems from the concept of Tikun Olam– the perfection of this world (or the repair of this world). It is a commandment for us to leave this world better off than when we got here- even if it’s just a little bit. So, given that precept, Good Deeds Day is a start for most people- at just one day of the year. A day when we should volunteer our time to improve the lives of others and, therefore, the world.
In 2007, there were just 7000 Israelis participating. By last year, that number had reached 160,000- volunteers from around the world helping to make a difference. The mission of Good Deeds Day (which gets its funding from the Ted Arison Family Foundation and Ruach Tova (which means a pleasant or good spirit) is to make it easy for folks to volunteer- and recognize how easy that volunteering really is. The thought is that will have these folks choose to volunteer long after Good Deeds Day has succumbed to the night.
To insure that volunteers don’t feel overwhelmed, the foundations have developed step-by-step instructions for a slew of projects. Environmental trips , Blood Drives, Storytelling, and many more. (You can see some more of them here.) There are also lessons for our kids. (You know… teach your children well…)
So, wherever you are- there’s something you can do. There’s something you NEED to do. The world- and its citizenry- are counting on you…
Hopefully the cruise line won’t dump raw sewage into the ocean in celebration.
The cruise line generally does a good job with the environment, Marie. Of course, they have a captain who was trying to see how shallow the water could be…
Roy
A good deed done is a good deed done and rarely doesn’t go unnoticed. Nice to know how special days get started and by whom… one of my nephews was born on March 25 and now I can reference that with him. Cool!
Perfect birthday event for him, PeggyLee!
Fantastic post Roy – regrettably, I’d never heard about this annual event until I read this – which is one of the many reasons why I read your site. Our family will be sure to join the effort! As always, thanks for the education!
Tor Constantino recently posted..The Psychiatric Couch: Hunger Games
I’m glad I was able to introduce it to you, Tor. You should check out the project planning- you can make your own event any day. Of course, this Sunday would be grand, as well…
Roy
I like the concept. Doing a kind act or a good deed has been happening for centuries. It is sad that we have to draw attention to keeping the concept alive. But I am glad people care.
shawn recently posted..Marriage Help From A Chihuahua
That’s exactly right, Shawn.
Thanks for visiting and considering it.
Roy
Being of service gives us way more back than whatever time, money or other resources we invest. Simply…it is part of the human experience and an incredible way to show how grateful we are for all we DO have!
Tambre Leighn/coaching by tambre recently posted..Dreams Into DREAMBEANIES ~ Part 2
And, we get more if we give more, too, Tambre!
Thanks for the comments.
Roy
I like it…no, I love it. Just like they say, it only takes one person to start a revolution. I can’t believe I never heard of this especially since I believe in what it stands for. These type of days don’t bother me as long as it sparks something in someone. What gets to me though is every time there is a day or month dedicated to a good cause people do it for that one day/month and then go back to being the same non-caring person they were before. I dream of a time when the world comes together and continues to better mankind. Thanks for letting your readers know.
Jenni recently posted..Comparison: The Thief of Joy? (Blog Hop)
That’s the concept behind this day, Jenni.
To show folks how easy it is to make a difference. So, they can then do it once a month, once a week, every day…
Thanks for the visit.
Roy
Fantastic idea Roy and good for you for spreading the word! I will be sure to do some good deeds this weekend in honor of your post. Hope you enjoy your weekend! ~ Suerae
Plan to enjoy and spread the wealth this weekend, Suerae.
Thanks for the visit.
Great post, Roy. I’ve not heard of Good Deeds Day, but will spread the word. Thanks for this!
Pamela Schott recently posted..MLSP Behind-the-Scenes: Content Marketing Training Review
Thrilled you’re spreading the word, Pamela.
Glad you noticed the post.
Roy
This is a great idea! So many of us are busy every day, but we can always make time to help others. I’ll make sure my family celebrates this holiday this year. Thanks for the heads-up.
Lisa Kanarek recently posted..4 Home Office Traps to Avoid
That’s the spirit, Lisa!
Every little bit really helps.
Roy
I love these types of concepts and since I have my niece and nephew visiting me this weekend, I’m going to let them know. I like to get them involved in community activities anyway now that they are teenagers (my gosh, somebody has gotten old!) 🙂
Thanks for spreading the word Roy!!
~Kesha
Kesha Brown recently posted..7 Random Facts (You Didn’t Need To Know) About Kesha
Thanks for spreading the word, Kesha!
And, enjoy the time with niece and nephew, too!
Roy
Never knew of this Roy, but I am glad that you are sharing it today. You would think something like this would go viral. We need more ‘good deeds’ as I am watching 20/20 about Bullying in America.
Lynn Brown recently posted..Jumping into Action with Writing Your First Blog Post
A good deed a day is even better than the proverbial apple, Lynn…
The media doesn’t advertise ‘special holidays’ or events like these nearly enough. We’ll be sure to join the masses & maybe I’ll write about it on Monday!
Thanks Roy!
Jenny recently posted..Without Courage, Success is Futile
Absolutely true, Jenny!
Glad to hear you’ll be out making this place just a little more hospitable. Thanks.
Roy
A good deed never goes unnoticed! And I always will believe in that! Off to check it out and try my best to do a good deed!
Hajra recently posted..Better with the lights switched off!
One can only hope, Hajra!
What a great day! Spread the word far and wide, do something – small or large to improve the life of another person. Thanks, Roy!
Thank, Jennifer!
I am so glad you entered the conversation!
Roy
Now this is a cause that is really worth pitching in. If only we can get more people to participate.
Juan recently posted..electronic smokeless cigarettes
Thanks for dropping in and adding to the conversation, Juan!
I look forward to hearing from you again…
I think every day should be called “Good Deeds Day”. This is a great idea, but it needs to go much more universal.
Ann recently posted..By: Elle Tait—My Side of the Fence | Sequoia Senior Solutions Blog
Oh, the problem with every day being so named is that people become inured to it. We need people excited so their productivity at doing these things is high- and effective, Ann.
(But, it’s still my policy to effect Tikun Olam each day. I just can’t expect the rest of the world to chime in…)
Love this idea, Roy. When I lived in San Diego, I was a team leader for Volunteer San Diego. One of my favorite projects was cleaning the beaches and the canyons of litter. I hate litter.
We also had events they labeled “family-friendly.” The beach cleaning was one of those and I always loved the idea of little kids learning early to take care of this place we call home.
I have done all kinds of volunteer work and believe strongly in it. Thanks for sharing this great idea.
Cathy Miller recently posted..Pain-free LinkedIn Recommendations Video is Here
Loved the idea of cleaning the beaches, Cathy!! The litter actually poses a greater hazard than on the streets, since one is generally barefoot and blinded by the sun…
Thanks for the other ideas.
Roy
I like the litter clean up idea, too. My dad used to organize a neighborhood clean up day — it was a great way to get the community together and do a good deed all at the same time. Plus, I also hate litter (not that anyone likes it… but it really bothers me. My hubby makes fun of me for it!) When we were moving to our new place, a sheet of paper flew out of one of our boxes and onto the highway. I was pretty bummed, so when we got to Lowe’s I started picking up litter on the way into the store. My way of apologizing for my earlier littering, I guess.
Jessica Smith recently posted..Everything is coming together
Thanks for that great story, Jessica. I loved the ending!
Roy
It’s a major pet peeve of mine, Jessica. To me, it’s the height of laziness that someone cannot wait to throw trash in one of the bajillion trash cans. If by some chance, there wasn’t a trash can around, I kept it in my car until I found one.
P.S. I’ve been know to chase a flying paper I dropped. 🙂
Cathy Miller recently posted..Pain-free LinkedIn Recommendations Video is Here
I’ve been known to do a typo or two, also. 🙂
Cathy Miller recently posted..Pain-free LinkedIn Recommendations Video is Here
Some of us quick typists end up putting words up faster than our clumsy, aging hands can handle…
Roy
Must be it, Roy. 😉
Cathy Miller recently posted..LinkedIn Beta Needs Bit More Work
I love the idea of Good Deeds Day. I’ve volunteered for many years and absolutely love it. I’ve been volunteering in an elementary school classroom for the past four years. There is nothing that can compare to the feeling of being a positive role model to children every day. The joy, love, and hugs I receive are the BEST!
Nicole Luongo recently posted..The Vow
Well, Nicole, those hugs are, indeed, priceless.
Thanks for your visit- and thanks for making this world just a little bit better. It’s the little things that add up to the big changes.
Roy
Thanks for letting me know that there is a good deeds day, although it looks like I missed it entirely. I try to do volunteer work when I can through my child’s school. Hopefully as my child gets a bit older with a longer attention span our family can do more. I will definitely try to add it to the calendar for next year…
Kristen recently posted..Yoga and Weight: Recent Research Suggests Yoga Practice is Related to Lower Body Weight
Kristen, the way things are going, I’m willing to bet that your child’s school will have a requirement for some 50+ hours of “community service” as part of its high school graduation criteria. So, you will be helping achieve this goal.
Roy
I love this post! Every year, I try to do extra good deeds on Good Deeds Day. I do have to say, though, that the deed I chose for last year nearly drove me crazy! Last year, I drove into a retirement community and decided to pick up the garbage cans that had been blown into the street. I figured that it would make driving through the community easier on the residents, most of whom are elderly. I drove my car around the large circle picking up all the cans. By the time I was done, they were all blown over again. I wasn’t discouraged, though! I drove around, carefully picking up each can and putting it back on the appropriate lawn/driveway. Again, they were all back in the street. I was ridiculously frustrated, left, went to a supermarket and offered to help an elderly lady unload her groceries into her car. She accused me of trying to steal from her. Sigh. I missed Good Deeds Day this year but I will definitely do something ASAP to pay some goodness forward.
Lauren Huston recently posted..Facebook is for Idiots
Proof that not all good deeds are recognized. Kudos for your efforts, Lauren!
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